Methods for preventing distal embolization from the vertebrobasilar artery using flow reversal

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter, into a vertebral or basilar artery. The constrictor/occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during vertebral and/or basilar procedures by reversing blood flow in the vertebral artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/792,732, filedFeb. 23, 2001, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices and methods useful intreating patients with stroke or occlusive cerebrovascular disease. Morespecifically, the invention provides an extracranial device capable ofreversing flow down a vertebral or basilar artery, and into theinnominate, subclavian, or brachial artery during an invasive procedure,thereby avoiding distal embolization of vascular debris. Variousdiagnostic or therapeutic instruments, including an atherectomycatheter, a filter, and/or an angioplasty/stent catheter, can beintroduced through or in combination with the device for treating thevertebrobasilar occlusion. The invention may also be useful to reverseflow during a stroke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the United States andthe most disabling neurologic disorder. Approximately 700,000 patientssuffer from stroke annually. Stroke is a syndrome characterized by theacute onset of a neurological deficit that persists for at least 24hours, reflecting focal involvement of the central nervous system, andis the result of a disturbance of the cerebral circulation. When apatient presents with neurological symptoms and signs which resolvecompletely within 1 hour, the term transient ischemic attack (TIA) isused. Etiologically, TIA and stroke share the same pathophysiologicmechanisms and thus represent a continuum based on persistence ofsymptoms and extent of ischemic insult.

Outcome following stroke is influenced by a number of factors, the mostimportant being the nature and severity of the resulting neurologicdeficit. Overall, less than 80% of patients with stroke survive for atleast 1 month, and approximately 35% have been cited for the 10-yearsurvival rates. Of patients who survive the acute period, up to 75%regain independent function, while approximately 15% requireinstitutional care.

The majority of the strokes are caused by occluded vessels that deprivethe brain of oxygen-carrying blood. The vertebral and basilar arteriestypically provide blood supply to the brainstem, the cerebellum, and theposterior cerebrum. Infarction in these areas of the brain can producedire consequences. For example, basis pontis infarction due to basilarartery occlusion may lead to a “locked-in state” characterized byquadriplegia and paralysis of the bulbar muscle such that the patientcan only communicate by moving eyes or eyelids. Dysfunction of thereticular activating system, which controls autonomic function of vitalbody organs, e.g., the cardiac and respiratory function, may lead tocoma or death. Ischemia caused by vertebrobasilar insufficiency oftenproduces multifocal lesions including a considerable longitudinal extentof the brain stem, thereby giving rise to a combination of symptoms,including dizziness, double vision, facial weakness, and gaitinstability.

Current treatments for patients with ischemia or infarction in theterritory of the vertebral or the basilar artery includeanticoagulation, e.g., heparin, and supportive care. Recently, vertebralthromboatherectomy, percutaneous angioplasty, and stenting areincreasingly performed to remove the occluding lesions. However, themain complication of these procedures is distal embolization ofatheromatous material downstream of the vertebral artery being treated,causing stroke in the posterior circulation.

New devices and methods are thus needed in patients undergoing invasiveprocedures for definitive or prophylactic treatment of occluding lesionsin the vertebrobasilar circulation, thereby minimizing the risk ofdistal embolization to prevent ischemic stroke.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides devices and methods for preventing ischemicstroke in patients undergoing invasive vertebrobasilar procedures,including angioplasty, stent placement, and/or filter insertion, byreversing blood flow down a vertebral artery being treated. In this way,embolic debris generated as a result of placing instrumentation within adiseased vertebrobasilar artery is diverted into the innominate,subclavian, or brachial artery, thereby preventing stroke by minimizingdistal embolization to the narrow posterior cerebral vessels. Thedevices and methods are also useful to remove an embolus and improveflow (by reversing collateral blood flow across the circle of Willis) inpatients with acute stroke.

The invention utilizes devices comprising a catheter having one or twoexpandable constricting members at its distal end. Each constrictor maybe a balloon, in certain cases a toroidal balloon, or a device of anyother appropriate shape, so that it can fully or partially occlude bloodflow. The lumen of the catheter may be adapted for insertion of atherapeutic instrument, such as an angioplasty, atherectomy, and/orstent catheter. A manometer is optionally mounted proximal and/or distalto the constricting member for monitoring blood pressure proximal and/ordistal the constrictor.

The occluder/constrictor is mounted near the distal end of the catheter,in certain cases proximal to a port. Each of the balloon occluder andconstrictor communicates with an inflation lumen and an inflation portat the proximal end of the catheter. In certain embodiments, thecatheter will include first and second constriction/occlusion members.The second constrictor is mounted on a second member which is slidablyinsertable through the catheter, and passes beyond the firstconstrictor. In this way, the second member and the second constrictorare moveable longitudinally relative to the first constrictor. In otherembodiments, the constrictor may consist of a balloon having more thanone opening at its center for the passage of blood, or may consist ofmore than one expandable balloons allowing passage of blood through thegap between the arterial wall and the expanded balloons. The proximalend of the catheter may include a hemostatic valve.

In still another embodiment, the catheter includes a second lumencommunicating with a proximal end and an infusion port at its distalend. The port is located distal to the distal port of the catheter. Thesecond lumen and its port are adapted for delivering a pharmaceuticalagent to the vertebral artery, including an angiographic dye.

In still another embodiment, the constrictor includes a shunt for thepassage of blood therethrough. The shunt comprises a tube having a lumencommunicating with a proximal end and a distal end. Any device describedin Barbut, U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,370, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, may also be used in the methods described herein.

The invention provides methods for reversing flow in a vertebrobasilarartery where an invasive procedure is to be performed in the vertebralor basilar artery. More specifically, the methods are useful inreversing flow down the occluded vertebral or basilar artery and intothe innominate, subclavian, or brachiocephalic artery.

In a first method using the devices described above, a technique fortreating a vertebral artery stenosis or dissection without risk ofdistal embolization is provided. A distal end of the catheter isinserted into the left or right subclavian artery in a retrograde orantegrade direction through an incision made on a peripheral artery,such as the brachial, the femoral artery, the subclavian artery, or thebrachiocephalic artery. A constricting member carried at the distal endof the catheter is located in the unilateral subclavian artery upstreamthe vertebral artery in which flow reversal is desired. The constrictingmember is expanded to constrict or occlude the subclavian or innominateartery. This results in progressive reduction of blood pressuredownstream of the constrictor, which ultimately results at a criticalpressure level in reversal of blood flow from the higher-pressurevertebral artery to the lower-pressure innominate, subclavian, and/orbrachiocephalic artery. The flow reversal can be verifiedfluoroscopically with dye. In certain methods, the lesion within thevertebral artery is then treated by advancing a therapeutic instrumentinto the unilateral vertebral artery to reduce the stenosis. The embolicdebris generated during the procedure will flow toward the innominate,subclavian, and/or brachiocephalic artery and arteries of the extremity,thereby preventing stroke from distal vertebral embolization.

In another method, flow reversal within a vertebral artery is achievedby inserting the distal end of the catheter into the vertebral artery.The constricting member is located and expanded within the vertebralartery to partially occlude the vertebral artery proximal or distal tothe lesion. Blood flow is thereby reversed from the high-pressurevertebral to the low-pressure innominate, subclavian, and/orbrachiocephalic artery. The lesion within the vertebral artery may thenbe treated as described above.

In another method, for reversing blood flow within a vertebral artery,the catheter is inserted into the subclavian artery and the constrictingmember is located in the brachiocephalic trunk upstream of the vertebralartery in which flow reversal is sought. Blood flow is thereby reversedfrom the high-pressure vertebrobasilar junction to the low-pressuresubclavian artery. The lesion within the vertebral artery may then betreated as described above.

In another method, flow reversal within a basilar artery isaccomplished. In this method, the distal end of a catheter is insertedinto either vertebral artery. The constricting member is then located inthe vertebral artery and expanded to partially occlude the vertebralartery. This procedure will result in reversal of blood flow ofhigh-pressure circle of Willis to the low-pressure vertebrobasilarjunction. Alternatively, one constricting member is located in a firstvertebral artery and expanded to partially or fully occlude the firstvertebral artery, and a second constricting member is located in asecond vertebral artery and expanded to partially or fully occlude thesecond vertebral artery. In a further alternative method, oneconstricting member is located in a first vertebral artery and expandedto partially or fully occlude the first vertebral artery, and a secondconstricting member is located in the contralateral subclavian arteryand expanded to partially or fully occlude the contralateral subclavianartery. In a further alternative method, one constricting member islocated in the right brachiocephalic or subclavian artery and expandedto partially or fully occlude the right brachiocephalic or subclavianartery, and a second constricting member is located in the leftsubclavian artery and expanded to partially or fully occlude the leftsubclavian artery.

It will be understood that there are several advantages in using thedevices and methods disclosed herein for prevention of distalembolization during use of instrumentation in the vertebral or basilarartery. For example, the devices (1) abolish the need for suction distalto the vertebrobasilar occlusion, thereby minimizing blood loss, (2)eliminate the need for systemic anticoagulation, pumping, and a secondarterial or venous stick, all of which are required where suction isemployed, (3) can be used to introduce a variety of diagnostic ortherapeutic instrument to the vertebrobasilar artery, (4) can be used inany procedures which require instrumentation within the vertebrobasilarartery, (5) can be used for definitive treatment of acute or subacuteischemic stroke or stroke prevention, (6) can be used in the angiogramor fluoroscopy suite available in most hospitals, and (7) require onlyone incision site for entry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts normal collateral circulation in the Circle of Willis andthe posterior circulation.

FIG. 2 depicts a reversed circulation in the Circle of Willis and theposterior circulation to compensate for an occlusion in the leftvertebral artery.

FIG. 3A depicts a distal region of an embodiment of the medical devicehaving an occluding member for prevention of acute stroke during use ofinstrumentation in a vertebrobasilar artery.

FIG. 3B depicts a distal region of another embodiment of the medicaldevice having a constricting member.

FIG. 4A depicts a distal region of another embodiment of the medicaldevice having a constricting member distal an occluding member.

FIG. 4B depicts a distal region of another embodiment of the devicehaving two manometers.

FIG. 5 depicts the device of FIG. 4B including a hemostatic valve at itsproximal end.

FIG. 6 depicts the device of FIG. 3B inserted in the right subclavianartery for treating a right vertebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 7 depicts the device of FIG. 3B inserted in the rightbrachiocephalic artery for treating a right vertebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 8 depicts the device of FIG. 4B inserted in the right subclavianartery for treating a right vertebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 8A depicts the device of FIGS. 3A or 3B inserted in the rightsubclavian artery for treating a right vertebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 8B depicts the device of FIG. 14 inserted in the right subclavianartery for treating a right vertebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 8C depicts an aortic constriction catheter capable of causing flowreversal down the left vertebral artery for treating a left vertebralartery occlusion.

FIG. 9 depicts an atherectomy catheter introduced through the device ofFIG. 3B in the right vertebral artery.

FIG. 10 depicts an angioplasty catheter introduced through the device ofFIG. 3B in the right vertebral artery.

FIG. 10A depicts an angioplasty catheter introduced independent of thedevice of FIG. 3B in the right vertebral artery.

FIG. 11 depicts a stent deployment catheter introduced through thedevice of FIG. 3B in the right vertebral artery.

FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of the device having a proximaloccluder and a distal constrictor.

FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of the device having a proximalconstrictor and a distal constrictor.

FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment of the device haying a proximaloccluder and a distal occluder.

FIG. 14B depicts another embodiment of the device having a proximaloccluder and a distal occluder.

FIG. 15A depicts a cross-sectional view of the constrictor having acentral opening for passage of blood.

FIG. 15B depicts a cross-sectional view of the constrictor having twoopenings for passage of blood.

FIG. 15C depicts a cross-sectional view of the constrictor comprisingthree expandable balloons.

FIG. 16A depicts the device of FIG. 4B inserted in the vertebralarteries for performing atherectomy on an occluding lesion in thebasilar artery.

FIG. 16B depicts a medical device having a first constricting/occludingmember inserted in the left vertebral artery and a secondconstricting/occluding member inserted in the right subclavian arteryfor treating a basilar artery occlusion.

FIG. 16C depicts a medical device having a constricting/occluding memberinserted in the left vertebral artery and an angioplasty ballooninserted through the medical device to dilate the basilar arteryocclusion.

FIG. 16D depicts a medical device having a constricting/occluding memberinserted in the left vertebral artery and an angioplasty ballooninserted independent of the medical device to dilate the basilar arteryocclusion.

FIG. 16E depicts a medical device having a constricting/occluding memberinserted in the left subclavian artery and a second medical devicehaving a constricting/occluding member inserted in the right subclavianartery for causing basilar artery flow reversal.

FIG. 17 depicts incision sites on various peripheral arteries for theinsertion of the medical device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The cerebral circulation is regulated in such a way that a constanttotal cerebral blood flow (CBF) is generally maintained under varyingconditions. For example, a reduction in flow to one part of the brain,such as in stroke, may be compensated by an increase in flow to anotherpart, so that CBF to any one region of the brain remains unchanged. Moreimportantly, when one part of the brain becomes ischemic due to avascular occlusion, the brain compensates by increasing blood flow tothe ischemic area through its collateral circulation via the Circle ofWillis.

FIG. 1 depicts normal cerebral circulation and collateral blood flow inthe Circle of Willis and the posterior circulation. Aorta 100 gives riseto right brachiocephalic trunk 82, left common carotid artery (CCA) 80,and left subclavian artery 84. The brachiocephalic artery furtherbranches into right common carotid artery 85 and right subclavian artery83. The left CCA gives rise to left internal carotid artery (ICA) 90which becomes left middle cerebral artery (MCA) 97 and left anteriorcerebral artery (ACA) 99. Anteriorly, the Circle of Willis is formed bythe internal carotid arteries, the anterior cerebral arteries, andanterior communicating artery 91 which connects the two ACAs. The rightand left ICA also send right posterior communicating artery 72 and leftposterior communicating artery 95 to connect respectively with rightposterior cerebral artery (PCA) 74 and left PCA 94. The two posteriorcommunicating arteries and PCAs, and the origin of the posteriorcerebral from basilar artery 92 complete the circle posteriorly.

Right subclavian artery 83 gives rise to right vertebral artery 87,tight anterior cervical artery 120, and right thyrocervical artery 121.Similarly, left subclavian artery 84 gives rise to left vertebral artery88, left anterior cervical artery 110, and left thyrocervical artery111. The left CCA also gives rise to external carotid artery (ECA) 78,which branches extensively to supply most of the structures of the headexcept the brain and the contents of the orbit. Right occipital artery122, a branch of right ECA 77, communicates with right vertebral artery87, right anterior cervical artery 120, and right thyrocervical artery121 to form the right posterior collateral circulation. Similarly, leftoccipital artery 112, a branch of left ECA 78, communicates with leftvertebral artery 88, left anterior cervical artery 110, and leftthyrocervical artery 111 to form the left posterior collateralcirculation.

When occluding lesion 70 occurs acutely, for example, in left vertebralartery 88, as depicted in FIG. 2, blood flow in the left cerebralartery, left external carotid artery 78, and right vertebral artery 76increases, resulting in a directional change of flow through the Circleof Willis down basilar artery 92 to compensate for the sudden decreaseof blood flow in the left vertebral artery. Specifically, blood flowreverses in right posterior communicating artery 72, right PCA 74, andleft posterior communicating artery 95. Although main collateral bloodflow to the left vertebral artery occurs through the right vertebralartery and the Circle of Willis, blood flow may also reverse incommunicating branch 130 of left vertebral artery 88 with the leftoccipital artery, left anterior cervical artery, and left thyrocervicalartery. The collateral blood flow through the posterior collateralcirculation becomes important when the right vertebral artery isatretic.

When an occlusion occurs in the basilar artery (not shown), blood flowin the right and left cerebral arteries, internal carotid arteries, andexternal carotid arteries increases, resulting in a directional changeof flow through the Circle of Willis down the basilar artery tocompensate for the sudden decrease of blood flow. Specifically, bloodflow reverses in right and left posterior communicating arteries, andright and left PCA's.

Balloon catheters for achieving flow reversal in carotid arteries weredescribed in Barbut, U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,370, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. FIG. 3A depicts one embodiment of the devicefor preventing distal embolization during carotid instrumentation. Thedevice comprises catheter 1 and balloon occluder 10. The catheter haslumen 5 communicating with a proximal end and port 6 at a distal end.The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic ordiagnostic instruments, e.g., atherectomy catheter, angioplastycatheter, and stent, to a carotid artery. Balloon occluder 10,communicating with inflation lumen 11, is mounted on the distal end ofthe catheter proximal to port 6. Manometer 15 is mounted distal tooccluder 10 for monitoring blood pressure downstream the occluder.

FIG. 3B depicts another embodiment of the device having constrictingmember 20 mounted on a distal region of the catheter proximal to port 6.Constricting member 20 communicates with inflation lumen 21. Theconstrictor has central opening 22 which allows passage of blood.Manometer 15 is mounted distal to occluder 10 for monitoring bloodpressure downstream the occluder.

FIG. 4A depicts another embodiment of the device comprising catheter 1,balloon occluder 10, and constrictor 20. Lumen 5 of the cathetercommunicates with port 6 at distal end 7. The lumen and port are adaptedfor introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic instruments. Balloonoccluder 10, communicating with inflation lumen 1 1, is mounted on thedistal end of the catheter proximal to port 6. Balloon constrictor 20,communicating with inflation lumen 21, is mounted distal to port 6 andfirst occluder 10. The constrictor has central opening 22 which allowspassage of blood. Inflation lumen 21 is an elongate member which, incertain embodiments, is slidably inserted through catheter 1, and ismoveable longitudinally relative to catheter 1 and occluder 10.

FIG. 4B depicts another embodiment of the device having two manometers.Manometer 15 is mounted distal to occluder 10 for measuring bloodpressure between the occluder and the constrictor. Manometer 25 ismounted distal to constrictor 20 for measuring blood pressure downstreamfrom constrictor 20.

In FIG. 5, proximal ends 14 and 24 of respective manometers 15 and 25are connected to pressure monitor 16 for measuring blood pressureproximal and distal the constrictor. Inflation ports 13 and 23communicate, respectively, with inflation lumens 11 and 21 for expandingballoon occluder 10 and constrictor 20. Lumen 5 of the cathetercommunicates with proximal end 2 which includes hemostatic valve 19.

In using the device of FIG. 3B to treat a right vertebral arteryocclusion, a percutaneous incision is made on a peripheral artery, suchas the femoral artery. A guide wire is inserted through the incisioninto the right subclavian artery in an antegrade direction and thedistal end of the catheter is inserted over the guide wire so thatconstrictor 20 is positioned in right subclavian artery upstream thetakeoff of the right vertebral artery as depicted in FIG. 6.Alternatively, the device is inserted through an incision in the rightbrachial artery and advanced into the right subclavian artery in aretrograde direction. The guide wire is then removed from the catheter.

Constricting member 20 is slowly expanded through its inflation lumen toconstrict or occlude subclavian artery 83, causing progressive declinein the blood pressure of the subclavian artery downstream theconstrictor. The pressure in the subclavian artery distal to theconstrictor can be measured by manometer 15. The pressure distal to theconstrictor is reduced, typically at approximately 20 mmHg, to create afavorable pressure gradient between the occluded right vertebral artery(typically having a pressure of 40 mmHg distal to the occlusion) and thesubclavian artery to cause blood flow to reverse into the subclavianartery. The reversal of blood flow down the vertebral artery into thesubclavian artery can be verified fluoroscopically with dye. After bloodreversal is established, therapeutic devices, such as an atherectomy,angioplasty, and/or stenting catheter, can then be inserted through thelumen of the device, or through any other suitable percutaneous entrypoint, and advanced to treat the occluding lesion. With reversal ofblood flow down the vertebral artery into the subclavian artery, distalembolization to the intracranial arteries is avoided, thereby minimizingrisk of stroke. Distal embolization of the branches of the subvlavianartery that supply the extremity has far less devastating consequencesthan the arterial branches which supply the brain stem.

Flow reversal from the right vertebral artery having an occluding lesiondown the ipsilateral subclavian artery can also be achieved by placing aconstrictor or occluder in the ipsilateral brachiocephalic artery asshown in FIG. 7. The device of FIG. 3B is inserted and advanced intoright brachiocephalic artery 82 upstream the takeoff of right commoncarotid artery 85. Constricting member 20 is slowly expanded, causing areduction in the blood pressure (to approximately 20 mmHg) downstreamthe constrictor. As a result, a favorable pressure gradient is createdbetween the right vertebral artery distal to the occluding lesion(typically having pressure of approximately 40 mmHg) and the subclavianartery, causing reversal of blood flow from the vertebral artery intothe subclavian artery. Reversal of blood flow from right common carotidartery 85 into the subclavian artery also occurs due to the pressuredifferential between the CCA and the subclavian artery.

In FIG. 8, the device of FIG. 4B is inserted in right subclavian artery83 to further reduce pressure in the subclavian artery downstream thetakeoff of right vertebral artery 87. Constricting/occluding member 10is inserted and advanced in the subclavian artery downstream of thetakeoff of right CCA 85 and constricting member 20 is advanced in thesubclavian artery downstream of the takeoff of right vertebral artery87. Constricting/occluding member 10 is first expanded toconstrict/occlude the subclavian artery. If flow reversal dose not occurdue to insufficient blood flow from the right vertebral artery, i.e.,insufficient pressure gradient between the right vertebral artery andthe subclavian artery, constricting/occluding member 20 is expanded tofurther reduce the pressure in the subclavian artery (to approximately10 mmHg) to create a favorable pressure gradient to reverse blood flowinto the subclavian artery from the vertebral artery.

In FIG. 8A, a single constricting/occluding member 20 is placed andexpanded in the right subclavian artery downstream of the takeoff ofright CCA 85 and upstream of the takeoff of right vertebral artery 87.Catheter 1 can enter the body by femoral access or left subclavianaccess. Therapeutic catheter 35, here an angioplasty catheter, isinserted through the right subclavian artery and is advancedindependently of catheter 1 to access the lesion in right vertebralartery 87. It will be understood that these devices and methods areapplicable as well to treat lesions in the left vertebral artery.

In FIG. 8B, a first constricting/occluding member 20 is placed andexpanded in the right subclavian artery downstream of the takeoff ofright CCA 85 and upstream of the takeoff of right vertebral artery 87,and a second constricting/occluding member 10 is placed and expanded inthe right subclavian artery downstream of the takeoff of right vertebralartery 87. Catheter 1 enters the body by right subclavian access.Therapeutic catheter 35, here an angioplasty catheter, is insertedthrough the right subclavian artery and through catheter 1 to access thelesion in right vertebral artery 87. It will be understood that thesedevices and methods are applicable as well to treat lesions in the leftvertebral artery.

FIG. 8C depicts an aortic constriction catheter capable of causing flowreversal down the left vertebral artery for treating a left vertebralartery occlusion. Constricting member 20 is placed and expanded in theaorta downstream the brachiocephalic artery and upstream the left commoncarotid artery. Catheter 1 enters the body by femoral (shown in FIG.8C), right subclavian, or left subclavian access. Therapeutic catheter35, here an angioplasty catheter, is inserted through the leftsubclavian artery to access the lesion in left vertebral artery 87.

Reversal of blood flow down the vertebral artery being treated can alsobe accomplished by placing a constricting member proximal or distal tothe occluding lesion in the vertebral artery. For example, in FIG. 9, adistal end of the device is inserted in an antegrade direction in rightvertebral artery 87 and advanced proximal to the atheromatous lesion.Atherectomy catheter 35 is introduced through lumen 5 and port 6. Afterblood reversal is established in the vertebral artery across theatheromatous lesion by expanding constricting member 10, atherectomydevice 36 is positioned over atheromatous lesion 70 and operated toremove the occluding lesion. The degree of constriction would begradually increased until flow reversal confirmed by angiography isobtained. Embolic debris generated during the procedure is diverted fromdistal vertebral toward proximal vertebral artery and into thesubclavian artery, thereby preventing distal embolization to the brainstem causing ischemic stroke. The construction of atherectomy cathetersis well known in the art and will not be repeated in detail here. Thereader is referred instead to Fischell, U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,454,Fischell, U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,575, Rydell, U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,045,Yock, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,794,931, 5,000,185, and 5,313,949, Jang et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,292, Farr, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,277, 4,986,807,5,019,088, Shiber, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,894,051, 4,957,482, 4,979,939,5,007,896, 5,024,651, 5,135,531, Summers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,265,Plassche et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,576, Belknap, U.S. Pat. No.5,366,464, Jang et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,790, Mazur et al.,Catherization and Cardiovascular Diagnosis 31:79-84 (1994), Fischell etal., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,886,061, 5,100,425, and Barbut et al., U.S. Pat.No. 5,662,671, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as iffully set forth herein.

In FIG. 10, a distal end of the catheter is inserted in antegradefashion through left vertebral artery 88 and in a retrograde fashion,into right vertebral artery 87 and the constrictor is located downstreamof the atheromatous lesion. A catheter carrying angioplasty balloon 32is inserted through lumen 5 and port 6. After flow reversal isestablished across the lesion by slowly expanding constricting member 10and is verified using angiography, angioplasty balloon 32 is positionedover the atheromatous lesion and expanded to treat the lesion. Embolicdebris generated during the procedure is diverted from the distalvertebral toward the proximal vertebral artery and into the subclavianartery, thereby preventing distal embolization to the brain stem causingischemic stroke. Therapeutic catheter 35 may also be introducedindependent of the constricting-occluding catheter, as shown in FIG.10A.

In FIG. 11, the distal end of the catheter is inserted in an antegradefashion in right vertebral artery 87 and advanced across theatheromatous lesion to position distal the lesion. Catheter 30 carryingstent 31 is introduced through lumen 5 and port 6. After flow reversalacross the lesion is established by expanding constricting member 10,the stent is deployed over the atheromatous lesion, thereby compressingthe lesion and enlarging the lumenal diameter. Compression of theatheroma by the stent often generates embolic debris, including calcium,atheromatous plaque, and thrombi. It will be understood that theinterventional therapy may include angioplasty and/or stent deploymentand/or atherectomy in every method described herein. With reversal ofblood flow in the right vertebral artery, distal embolization to theintracranial cerebral arteries is avoided, thereby minimizing risk ofischemic stroke.

FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of the device having second lumen 40communicating with second port 41. The second lumen and port are adaptedfor delivering a pharmaceutical agent, e.g., tissue plasminogenactivator (t-PA), a neuroprotective agent, or an angiographic dye. Localadministration of a thrombolytic agent to an occluded vertebral arteryreduces the risk associated with systemic thrombolytic therapy, i.e.,hemorrhage. Administration of dye through port 41 provides fluoroscopicverification of flow reversal in the vertebral artery.

FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 14A depict alternative devices for use in theinventions described herein. Each catheter has first balloon 10 andsecond balloon 20. All combinations of constrictors and occluders arecontemplated. Thus, first balloon 10 may be an occluder, and secondballoon 20 may be a constrictor (FIG. 12). Alternatively, first balloon10 may be a constrictor, and second balloon 20 may be a constrictor(FIG. 13). Alternatively, first balloon 10 may be a constrictor, andsecond balloon 20 may be an occluder (FIG. 14). Alternatively, firstballoon 10 may be an occluder, and second balloon 20 may be an occluder(FIG. 14A).

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C depict cross-sectional views of differentconstructions of the constrictor for allowing blood flow past theconstrictor. In FIG. 15A, constrictor 20 is a toroidal balloon whichcommunicates with inflation lumen 21 and includes central opening 22 forpassage of blood. In FIG. 15B, balloon constrictor 20 communicates withinflation lumen 21 and communicates with two openings 22 for passage ofblood. In FIG. 15C, the constrictor comprises three expandable balloons23 communicating with inflation lumen 21. When inserted in thesubclavian artery, for example, blood passes in the gap between thearterial wall and the expanded balloons. In all three of these designsthe constrictor, when expanded, maintains contact with the arterialwall, thus reducing trauma and further emboli dislodgment caused by theballoon impacting the vessel wall by oscillating in the blood flow.

In using the device of FIG. 14A to treat an occluding lesion in thebasilar artery, for example, first occluder/constrictor 10 is positionedin left vertebral artery 88, and distal end 52 of the shunt ispositioned in right vertebral artery 87 as shown in FIG. 16A.Alternatively, first occluder/constrictor 10 is positioned in rightvertebral artery 87, and distal end 52 of the shunt is positioned inleft vertebral artery 88. Preferably, the first occluder/constrictor isexpanded to occlude the left vertebral artery, followed by expansion ofthe second occluder/constrictor to constrict the right vertebral arteryto cause reversal of blood flow from basilar artery 92 into the rightvertebral artery. After flow reversal is established, a therapeuticinstrument, such as an atherectomy catheter as depicted in FIG. 16A isintroduced through a lumen of the device. Embolic debris generated byatherectomy device 36 is diverted into the right vertebral artery,thereby preventing distal embolization up the brain stem.

In treating an occluding lesion in the basilar artery, reversal of bloodflow from the basilar artery into the vertebral artery can also beaccomplished by inserting a first constricting member in a vertebralartery and a second constricting member in the contralateral subclavianartery upstream the takeoff of the contralateral vertebral artery.Alternatively, first and second constricting members are placed in theright and left subclavian arteries upstream the takeoff of therespective vertebral arteries (FIG. 16E). For example, in FIG. 16B,first constricting member 10 is inserted in an antegrade direction intoleft vertebral artery 88 through an incision on a peripheral artery,e.g., the femoral artery. Second constricting member 20 is also insertedin an antegrade direction into right subclavian artery upstream thetakeoff of right vertebral artery 87. Catheters 150 and 151 which carry,respectively, first and second constricting members 10 and 20 are joinedproximally in catheter 1 and are independently operable with respect toeach other. Alternatively, the first and second constricting members areintroduced independently through separate incisions on the peripheralarteries, e.g., femoral or subclavian (FIG. 16E). Constricting member 10is then expanded to constrict or occlude the left vertebral artery,causing a pressure drop in the vertebrobasilar junction. If flowreversal from basilar artery 92 into right vertebral artery fails tooccur, constricting member 20 is slowly expanded to constrict or occludethe right subclavian artery to further reduce pressure in the rightvertebral artery. After flow reversal is established, introduction oftherapeutic device(s) into the basilar artery can be achieved throughthe lumen of catheter 150 (FIG. 16C), or independent of catheter 150(FIG. 16D). Embolic debris generated during the procedure(s) is divertedfrom the basilar artery into the right vertebral artery and the rightsubclavian artery, thereby preventing devastating consequences ofbrainstem embolization.

FIG. 17 depicts different sites of entry for the devices disclosedherein. An incision can be made on a peripheral artery, such as rightfemoral artery 122, left femoral artery 120, right brachial artery 112,left brachial artery 110, right axillary artery 126, left axillaryartery 115, right subclavian artery 142, or left subclavian artery 140.An incision can also be made on right carotid artery 132 or left carotidartery 130 in emergency situations.

The length of catheter will generally be between 10 and 200 centimeters,preferably approximately between 30 and 150 centimeters. The innerdiameter of the catheter lumen will generally be between 0.1 and 0.6centimeters, preferably approximately between 0.2 and 0.4 centimeters.The diameter of the expanded constrictor/occluder will generally bebetween 0.3 and 2 centimeters, preferably approximately 0.3 and 0.7centimeter. The foregoing ranges are set forth solely for the purpose ofillustrating typical device dimensions. The actual dimensions of adevice constructed according to the principles of the present inventionmay obviously vary outside of the listed ranges without departing fromthose basic principles.

Although the foregoing invention has, for the purposes of clarity andunderstanding, been described in some detail by way of illustration andexample, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications maybe practiced which will still fall within the scope of the appendedclaims. For example, it will be understood that the features of anyparticular device or method described herein can be used with any of theother devices or methods described herein.

1. A method for treating a vertebral artery lesion, the methodcomprising the steps of: inserting a distal end of a catheter into abrachiocephalic trunk, the catheter having a proximal end, the distalend of the catheter having a constricting member; locating theconstricting member in the brachiocephalic trunk upstream a vertebralartery having a lesion; expanding the constricting member to constrictthe subclavian artery, wherein blood flow in the vertebral artery isreversed to pass over the occlusion and toward the subclavian artery;and advancing a therapeutic instrument into the vertebral artery totreat the lesion.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lesion is anocclusion or stenosis.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the lesion is adissection.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the catheter is insertedinto the subclavian artery in an antegrade direction.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the vertebral artery is the right vertebral artery andthe subclavian artery is the right subclavian artery.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the vertebral artery is the left vertebral artery andthe subclavian artery is the left subclavian artery.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the occlusion partially occludes the vertebral artery.8. The method of claim 1, wherein the occlusion is a stenosis.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the occlusion is an embolus.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the occlusion is an atheroma.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the constricting member is expanded to occlude thesubclavian artery.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the constrictingmember is expanded to partially occlude the subclavian artery.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the constricting member is a balloon thatcommunicates with an inflation lumen that extends to the proximal end ofthe catheter.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the balloon is atoroidal balloon.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeuticinstrument is an angioplasty catheter.
 16. The method of claim 1,wherein the therapeutic instrument is a stent.
 17. The method of claim1, wherein the therapeutic instrument is an atherectomy catheter. 18.The method of claim 1, wherein the catheter has a lumen adapted to passthe therapeutic instrument. 19-23. (canceled)
 24. A method for flowreversal within a basilar artery, comprising the steps of: inserting afirst constricting member into the left subclavian artery upstream thetakeoff of the left vertebral artery; inserting a second constrictingmember into the right subclavian artery upstream the takeoff of theright vertebral artery; expanding the first constricting member topartially occlude the left subclavian artery; and expanding the secondconstricting member to partially occlude the right subclavian artery,wherein blood flow in the basilar artery is reversed and flows towardthe vertebral arteries. 25-36. (canceled)
 37. A method for treating avertebral artery lesion, comprising the steps of: inserting a distal endof a catheter into the aorta, the catheter having a proximal end, thedistal end of the catheter having a constricting member; locating theconstricting member in the aortic arch downstream of the rightbrachiocephalic trunk and upstream of the left common carotid artery;expanding the constricting member to constrict the aorta, wherein bloodflow in a left Vertebral artery is reversed to pass toward the leftsubclavian artery; and advancing a therapeutic instrument into a leftvertebral artery to repair the lesion. 38-45. (canceled)